New Cut Scores for MEAP/MME



Office of the Superintendent

November 8, 2011

Greetings,

Recent articles and news reports announced a change in the way that the Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) and the Michigan Merit Exam (MME) scores will be reported to the public. Specifically, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) raised minimum scores (cut scores) needed for a student to be considered proficient on the MEAP and MME tests.

The MDE feels that this change will better reflect whether students are on-track to being career and college ready when they complete their high school education. Michigan is only the third state in the nation (after New York and Tennessee) to adopt this more rigorous level of assessment scoring. With the more rigorous cut scores, students will need to answer correctly approximately 65% of the questions in order to earn a score of “proficient” on the state test, a substantial increase from approximately 39%, the previous requirement.

Our district provides students with an academically challenging curriculum aligned with state standards and benchmarks. Attendance, classroom participation, and class work contribute to a student’s success in the classroom. MEAP, MME, common assessments, Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA), Lexile reading scores, and other assessment tools are used throughout the year to determine whether students are making academic progress.

When gaps are discovered in student learning, appropriate and meaningful interventions are launched to ensure academic success. If a student is exceeding standards and benchmarks in a subject area, interventions are also used to further challenge the student. The district supports teachers with professional development, an essential part in enhancing and improving instruction.

The changes in the cut scores for the MEAP and MME allow schools to identify subject areas where student achievement must improve and subject areas where students are having success. Each school will use the data to help develop their yearly School Improvement Plan. These plans are made using information from a variety of sources and will drive instruction, curriculum, and professional development at each school in our district. This continuous cycle of evaluation and planning will help us to achieve our goals as we strive for student success in all classrooms.

Regards,

Brian J. Whiston

Superintendent of Schools

Common questions regarding the new cut scores for the MEAP & MME:

What is a cut score?

A cut score is the minimum number of correct responses required to pass a test. For example, if the cut score on an exam is 70%, any score below 70% is a failing grade and any score above 70% is a passing grade. Cut scores separate test takers into various categories, such as advanced, proficient, partially proficient and not proficient. MEAP and MME cut scores and categories are determined by the Michigan Department of Education and approved by the Michigan State Board of Education.

Who made these changes in the cut scores?

The Michigan Department of Education approved raising the standard (cut scores) for passing the MEAP and MME exams. Local districts or boards of education do not determine cut scores.

When will the new cut scores be applied?

The new cut scores will be applied this school year (2011-2012) to the MEAP exam given to 3rd through 9th graders in October 2011 and to the MME exam that 11th graders will take in March 2012.

Why is Michigan changing its cut scores?

The State of Michigan joined with other states in agreeing to raise standards to prepare more students to leave high school career and college ready. Previously, Michigan’s proficiency cut scores were based on whether students showed a basic understanding of the state content expectations. On some MEAP tests, students who answered as few as 38% of the questions correctly earned a proficient score. The new cut scores are consistent with the level of knowledge that students need in order to be on target for career and college readiness. This change means fewer students will be considered proficient. As other states are required to change their scores to more accurately portray their students’ academic progress, Michigan will benefit from the early implementation of these more rigorous standards.

What does “proficient” mean?

Students who meet or exceed standards on the MEAP and MME meet Michigan’s definition of proficient.

 

What does “career and college readiness” mean?

According to ACT, the independent, not-for-profit organization that provides assessment services in the broad areas of education and workforce development, career and college readiness is defined as the acquisition of the knowledge and skills a student needs to enroll and succeed in credit-bearing first-year courses at a postsecondary institution (such as a two- or four-year college, trade school, or technical school) without the need for remediation.

ACT’s College Readiness Benchmarks are the minimum scores needed on the ACT subject area tests to indicate a 50% chance of obtaining a B or higher or about a 75% chance of obtaining a C or higher in corresponding first-year credit-bearing college courses.

What can parents do to help their child become career and college ready?

One of the best ways to keep track of your child’s progress at school is by following classroom assignments and grades using Parent Connect, attending parent-teacher conferences, and keeping an open line of communication with the teacher and school. Parents should work with their child on homework, read assignments with him or her, and be active in their school life.

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Learning

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Life

Brian J. Whiston

Superintendent

18700 Audette

Dearborn, MI 48124-4295

Office (313) 827-3022

Fax (313) 827-3137

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